davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Portland daily press., 1887-08-25
NEvADA'S SINGERS.
Their Vocal Powers Due to the Thin
Air of the Mountains.
IYirrinia City Enterprise.l

Virginia City Enterprise.l
In the East it Is matter of wonder that
Nevada has produced-young as she is-so
many fine singers. The whole secret Of the
business is that children reared in this state
have lungs, while in many other parts Of the
United States they have nothing more than
lunglets-the mere premonitory symptoms Of
lungs that for time serve as breathing ap-
paratus. 1t is well known that all animals
that live in high mountain ranges have larger
lungs then the same kinds Of animals when
found in the lowlands. This has been par
ticularly observed Of sheep and deer. 1t is
the same in the case Of human beings. Chill
dren born and reared on the Comstock, at n
altitude Of over 1000 feet above the level Of
the sea, have very large lungs and great
breadth of chest Owing to the extreme
tenuity of the atmosphere, greater quantity
of it must be inhaled in order to properly
sustain life than Is required down at the
level of the sea, where the air Is dense (;
therefore the children all grow the big lungs
their surroundings require. Among the big
lunged boys and girls now growing up in Ne
vada there are doubtless many who would
make phenomenal singers were they found
out and properly trained.
In order to shout well and sing well at this
altitude good lungs are necessary. The re-
port of gun, pistol or cannon fired here Is
far less loud and sharp than would be heard
were the same weapon discharged at or near
the level Of the sea- 1t is the same way in
the case of singers. Those that come here
from valley regions where the atmosphere is
dense find their voices falling very fat
They are like the cannon that rings out loud
ly in the valley but high on the mountains,
with the same charge of powder, seems not
to have been half loaded. The voice of the
singer that rings forth sharp and clear here
will always be thought wonderful when its
volume and strength are nearly doubled in
the dense atmosphere of places but few
hundred feet above sea level There our
singers with their great lungs have the ad-
vantage Of all lowlanders.
The Portland daily press., 1887-08-25
UNCLE BILLY TooMBS.
A Negro Slave Who Refused to Ac-
cept His Freedom.

WASHINGTON, Ca. August 24.-Yesterday
the body of Uncle Billy Toombs was buried
in the cOlored cemetery here in the presence
of large number of the best white citizens
as well as Of almost the entire colored popu-
lation. Prominent among those present and
taking personal charge of the arrangements
were the members of the family of the late
General Robert Toombs.
Uncle Billy was born 81 years ago, the
slave Of Major Toombs, and was II years
age when the majors son Robert was born
Billy was assigned to duty as the boy in
waiting to the baby and took great interest
in his development.
When young Mr.. Toombs grew up and
married, his father presented him with
Billy, and ever afterward the closest friend
ship existed between the two. Billy accom-
panied his master to Washington, to the
fashionable watering places and to Europe.
In this way he became familiar with many
In all this change of life, however, Billy
never lost his head, but. was polite and
tsttHdn tse Ma4 he e baa ns an aRaStss IN
in any way. wke the waf %sg D6Ser land and
the Toombs family had gathered once more
at the old family mansion, Billy returned
there too, as well as the rest.
'You are Free" said General Toombs to
him.
I'm never be free from old master,' said
he, 'butI'll follow you all my life."
To this General Toombs replied: Every
well, then I'll take care of you"
Ever after Billy was the most devoted of
servants, looking after his masters interests
as though they were his own. When General
Toombs died, two years ago, he left full
provision for Uncle Billy's support, and no
mourners at the generals grave shed warmer
tears than did the faithful old African, who
fingered there long after the crowd had
melted away. Uncle Billy will be remem-
bered as the only African who absolutely re-
fused to accept his freedom.
The Portland daily press., 1887-08-25
THE NEWS AT BAR hAR RoR.
Flyers Which Will Sail In the Yacht
Race To-day.

BAR HARBoR, Aug. 24.-On account of
the storm the United States Squadron will
not sail tonight.
Among the latest arrivals are Mrs. Welsey
Harper, of New York; Lieut.. ]. F. Bell and
wife of Washington; Hon. and Mrs. Joseph
Fl. Manley, of Augusta; Chas. G. Maynard,
of Cambridge; DR.. J. d. Emmett, of New
York; Mayor Chapman and wife, of Port
land.
The Ladies' Schubert Quartette will give
a concert at Rodicks tonight.
Schooner yachts Gitana and Adrienne
have arrived. The entries in the yacht race,
which occurs tomorrow, are as follows:
First class schooners-Gitana, Iroquois and
Mohican.
Second class chooners-Adrienne, Hope and
Leslie
First class sloops-Atlantic
Second class sloops-Stranger. Titania and Ha-
Fourth class sloops-Papoose, Ulidia, Iona
Lairn, Eunice and Warren.
The course for the first and second class
sloops and the first class schooners is to be a
triangular one of 30 miles. For the third and
fourth class sloops and second class schoon-
ers, the course will be 26 miles. The start is
to be made at stake boat anchored near
Bald Porcupine Island, at 1910 a. m. to-mor-
row. This is the first of the annual series OF
races to be sailed under the auspices of the
Bar Harbor Yacht Club. The yachts Volun-
teer, Mayfower and Puritan, which the com
mittee announced would be here, were una
BILE to come on account of the distance and
the short space of time before the trial and
Americas cup races. The Priscilla is here
but not in racing gear
The Portland daily press., 1887-08-25
the STATE.
KENNEBEc COUNTY.

Mr.. Charles Lee, formerly Of Augusta. for
four years a resident Of Kansas, was in
stantly killed In Colorado about q week ago,
being struck by lightning while on horse
back. He was q nephew Of Mr.. Ira ID. Stnr-
gis Of Augusta, and engaged in the stock
business.
Augustine and Nice Boulet Of Waterville,
aged "a and 81 years, respectively, have been
married II years. Their Oldest son, who Is
20 years old, now lives In Canada The old
couple live on the Plains In house with
their daughter, granddaughter. and her chill
dren-four generations.
PENoBscor COUNTY.
The Seventh Day Adventists commenced
their annual eampmeeting yesterday on Gar
land street, Bangor.
YORK COUNTY.
The 9th Maine Regiment, which holds its
reunion at Buxton, Saturday, was York
county regiment and the majority Of its sur
viviors reside in that part OF Maine. The
citizens OF Buxton are preparing TO give the
boys royal reception.
IN GENERAL.
The old Pine Tree State Is soon TO be
brought more prominently than ever before
the eyes Of the American people, BY series
of articles soon 10 be published in Harper's
Weekly, illustrated by the well known ar
tist, Harry Fem. The gentleman was In
Portland last week, just starting on his tour
Of investigation, under orders from the Har-
pers to get something fresh. With this In
view, he has been among the lime burners
Of Knox county. From there he intends
taking In Bar Harbor and Mt. Desert Islands
from whence he will follow the coast south.
gathering all material which will be OF in
terest 10 the readers Of Harpers' publica-
The Portland daily press., 1887-08-25
GENERAL NEWS.

One coal train ran into the rear Of another
at Easton, Pa, on the Jersey Central rail-
road yesterday and third train ran into the
wreck. Twenty-Five cars were smashed.
There was large attendance of windsor
County, Vermont, veterans at their. reunion
at Chester, yesterday.
Irving Chapel of Lebanon, Conn.,, was
committed to Jail yesterday charged with
poisoning Frank Lamerine. Chapel claims
that he is innocent.
Jesse E. Merwin, agent Of the National
decamped with $1,000 belonging to the COM
pany.
Mr.. Powderly denies the statement that
he Is member of the new American party
or that he has any sympathy with purely
American ideas"
The Greenland whaling season is reported
to be over. and a failure, only two tons of
whale bone having been taken.
A strike of moulders in the stove manufac-
turers of Troy, N T., for more pay is immi-
nent. Twenty-Five hundred people would be
thrown out.
Grand Master Workman Powderly has ad-
vised the employees of the Reading railroad
not to strike. Mr. Powderly congratulates
the knights Of the Reading system upon
their condition.
The New York Park Commissioners have
resolved to prohibit the New York Il Boston
Rapid Transit Company erecting an elevated
railroad in any of the public grounds.
Mrs. Sarah Jackson, wife of Andrew
jackson, Jr., and mistress OF the White
House during President Jackson's second
term, died at the Hermitage" Monday,
aged 81.
Mrs. John A. Logan is rapidly recovering
from her recent injuries.
The Portland daily press., 1887-08-25
Notes.

Games to-day-Haverhill at Portland,
Lowell at Manchester, Lynn at SAlem
Thls has been hard week for base ball in
New England.
Manager McGunnigle is making arrange
ments to play a championship game with tie
Haverhills at Brockton Sept. 9th.
The league schedule closes Sept. 18th, but
according 10 the rules Of the New England
league one week Is allowed after that date in
which to play of postponed games.
The Lowells have made more money In
their games with the Portlands and Man
chesters than with any other clubs In the
league, and still manager McGunnigle, in
making up list Of towns for 1888, leaves
tnese TWO cities out. With no other head
but his to govern 1t. the New England league
would soon die as base ball does In a city
where be manages team.
The Bostons will play In this city either
October 10th, llth and 18th, or October 1lth,
league for whom several league clubs will do
some lively hustling this fall. The Ean re-
ferred to Is Gil Hatfeld.-Globe.
=. The L0wells and Manchesters will plav off
postponed game at Lowell tomorrow.
Manager McGnnnigle Is In favor Of a
Springfield, Salem, Lowell, Brockton, Hart.
ford, New Haven, Bridgeport, Danbury and
Meriden. lie says that he shall agitate the
subject. and endeav0r to have some action
taken upon it, as he believes that such a
league. properly conducted, would be only
second to the national league In amnunt Of
interest which New England people would
take In 1t. What, and leave out Portland.
Lynn and Manchester, all good base bali
citlesp The plan doesn't look well, even on
paper, and could only succeed on very low
salaries and lower fares than now PREVAIL
Hs52la H q rMs MPRaSef p M fMeGnRplge 4 tFYipg
out ball cities. Portland and Manchester
are cities he Is afraid Of
The Portland daily press., 1887-08-25
TEXAS RULLOOZERS.
Acquitted by Jury in the United
States Court.

GALVESTON, August 23-The News Aus
tin despatch says: 'The Washington county
election cases, wherein large number Of
citizens were charged with intimidation, de-
stroying ballot boxes and other illegal acts,
which have been on trial in the United
States District Court here for several days,
were brought to close last night by the jury
bringing in verdict of not guilty on the
second count, charging destruct ion of bal
lot boxes by the defendants, and disagreeing
reference with officers. Judge Turner, in
accordance with the verdict, declared the
defendants not guilty as to the second count,
and that there had been mistrial as to the
other counts, and they were continued until
the next term of court.
"The cases were investigated by the Sem
ate committee at Washington last winter
and attracted considerable attention at the
time In consequence of the fact that num-
Der Of prominent Republicans were com
PEELED to leave Washington county at short
notice. where they had resided for many
years and accumulated property, which they
were compelled to sell at great sacrifice"
The Portland daily press., 1887-08-25
ARTILLERY VETERANS.
vinaIhaven Gives Them a Glorious
Campfire and Reception.

RocKLAND, Aug. PA delegation of the
Heavy Maine Artillery Association arrived
in Rockland this morning by steamer Pho
neer from vinalhaven, where they held the
annual reunion yesterday, the remainder of
the association leaving for Bangor on the
steamer Rockland early this morning.
The Rockland members report the best
time ever had at reunion. On arrival yes
terday they. were welcomed by Lafayette
Carver Post and the citizens of the town, and
headed by drum corps, marched to the i'm
mense pavilion, built for the reception, on
the lawn of Col. T. G. Libby. The dinner
was followed by meeting of the associa-
tion, presided over by Col. Zimro A. Smith
Of Boston. Col. T. G. Libby of Vinalhaven
was elected president. and Fred C.-Low of
an old-time dress parade, with laths for
equipments. The Heavy Artillery had 2O6
men in line, besides some ten or dozen dis
abled comrades.
In the evening campfire was held in the
pavilion; Col. Smith presided, and Capt.
Fred ). Wells was toastmaster. Remarks,
gay, pathetic and witty, were made by Coll
Smith, Capt III. III. Shaw of Portland, Hugh
Ross Chaplin, Major Charles Hamlin, Com
rade Eastman of Virginia, Rev. w: II. Lit
tiCuClu, llcutos u. n. OOl6 anu A. IL. wing
and Capt. f. G. Lord. Mr.. Chaplin of Ban
gor is son of the first colonel of the regi-
ment, and was made an honorary member.
The music for the campfire was furnished
by select choir and the Vinalhaven band
The campfire broke up at II o'clock last
night
Fifty-fve ladies accompanied their hus-
bands to the reunion. Some were quartered
at Lanes Island, while the remainder pass
ed the night in private homes which were
generously thrown open to them. free of ex-
pense. A bountiful supper and breakfast
were furnished by Lafayette Carver Relief
Corps. assisted by a committee of citizens.
Within the pavilion were large placards
with the names of the battles in which the
regiment participated: Spottsylvania, North
Anna, Cold Harbor, Strawberry Plains.
Squirrel Level road, Sailors Creek, Deep
Bottom, Totopotamy Creek, Hatcher's Run,
Boynton Plank Road. Weldon Railroad, Fort
Heel. Pittsburg, Farmville, and the Surren-
der Of Lee.
Gov. Bodwell was unable to attend, but an
letter from him was read.
Twelve companies were represented. One
member has died since the last reunion,
Lieut. Andrew j. Hilton, from cancer, ia
Bangor July 9th. OF the whole company 80
have died since the war. The only fault
found by the veterans was that they could
not spend money in town; everything was
free.
The Portland daily press., 1887-08-25
CAUGHT WITH A WORM.
The Sportsmanlike Rage OF the Late
Thomas Anory DebIois.

To the Editor Of the Press:
A few days since you published story
about Mr.. Goth and Hon. Thomas AmOry
Deblois. 1t was good story, very well
told, and mainly true. The great fault that
/ find with it is that Mr.. Goth wasn't there.
The story is an old familiar friend of mine,
and was told to me about quarter of a CEN
tury ago by one Of the chief actors therein,
viz: John Whyley, who was then the lead
ing gunsmith in Portland, and who is still
in spite of his 70 odd years an ardent sports
man. am quite sure that Mr.. Deblois's
shooting days were over before Mr.. Goth
came to Portland, and l know that Mr..
Whyley told me the same story years before
Mr.. Goth came here.
Mr.. Goth was better gunsmith than Mr..
Whyley-in fact was among the first in this
or any country. have seen guns built by
him that equaled in fine workmanship the
best guns Of Lang or Lancaster, Moore or
Purdy-the crack English gunmakers-and
superior in some points to the work Of any
other American builder / have seen. But
Mr.. Goth could build gun better than he
could shoot 1t, while Mr.. Whyley could shoot
better than he could build. Mr.. Goth was
born mechanic of rare skill. Mr.. Whyley a
born sportsman with equal skill In handling
gun that Goth had in fashioning one
Iidon't know that l could improve the
story much by retelling 1t, although a few
points, especially about the dogs of the two
gunners we're left ont. But i will tell an
other story of Mr.. Deblois and Mr.. Whyley's
rencontres:
Mr.. Whyley used to repair Mr.. Deblois's
fishing and shooting tackle, ETC.. and they
knew each other very well. / always sus-
pected. although have no real reason
therefore, and hope he'll not sue me for libel
for stating itl that Mr.. Whyley must have
been guilty Of poaching ON English prem
ises Of fish and fowl before he emigrated.
However that may be. he could ''tie' a fly
and ''cast" one with most men. But he
knew every snipe run, woodcock cover and
trout brook within 10 miles OF Portland. and
some that wers farther of.
On one of his early spring trOut-fshing
expeditions, he had caught (as usuaD a fne
string Of fish. He sent them up to Mr..
his friends and had the trout served In
proper style.
The next day be called into Mr.. Whyley's
place and thank him politely, il somewhat
formally, as usual with him, for his present
of magnificent fish,. The interview was yery
pleasant to both but as Mr.. Deblois turned
70 leave him he said:
by the way, Mr.. Whyley, would you
mind telling me with what fly you killed
those trout?"
"Fly be d-d." responded Whyley, don't
you know that brook trout won't take a fiy
the lst Of April %"
Caught them with a wormi" shouted
Deblois, Caught them with a worml and
did you dare to send trout caught with a
worm to mel! and started off in rage.
Mac
The Portland daily press., 1887-08-25
SAFE AND w ELL.
The City Of MontreaI's Missing Boat
Picked Up.

LONDON, August 24.-The City of Mon
treaps missing boat has been picked up. The
thirteen survivors on board are safe and
well.
The boat was picked up on the 18th inst.
by the brig Autnie Mathilde from Campeche
for Falmouth. The rescued men say they
had only half keg of water, and that was
bad. They had no means of signalling YES
sells. The boat was nearly swamped twice
On Thursday they sighted steamer and
pulled toward her, signalling with jacket
and handkerchief. The steamer passed on
without seeing them. On Friday they sight
ed another steamer a great distance of
Saturday they sighted another vessel and
pulled toward it; found it was the City of
Montreal, still burning. They tried to
board her to obtain more water but the
plates were too hot. They then drifted until
Monday, when they were rescued by the
Mathilde.
The Portland daily press., 1887-08-25
Accidents.

Mr.. w. w. Dunn's horse became fright
ened on Cumberland street yesterday by the
rattling Of iron in a team which came up be-
hind, and ran away. Mr.. Dunn, who lives
at Yarmouth, was thrown from his wagon
and received quite a severe wound on his leg
Just below the knee. His horse ran into DIR.
Ways, which stood in front Of the doctors
residence, but did not injure him. The team
was not much damaged. DIR. Way dressed
Mr.. Dunn's wounds.
Michael Birmingham, brakeman on the
Portland & Rochester road while shackling
cars yesterday. had two fingers of the right
hand so badly crushed that DR.. II. p. Mer-
rill had to amputate them.
The Portland daily press., 1887-08-25

question, the issuing of all moneys by the
National government, the continuance Of
the immigration laws, the establishment Of
a bureau OF labor statistics and arbitration.
the preservation Of non-sectarian instruc.
tion, the continuance and extension Of the
reform n the civil service, the equalization
two sexes, the determination Of polvgamv
ample provision for INDECENT soldiers GOV,
ernment aid to education and charitable in
stitutions. especially In the South the non
interference Of any foreign potentate In the
politics of the Nation.
The Portland daily press., 1887-08-25
Weber Club.

The Weber Club, Prof. Philip: H. Muller
and representatives Of the press. were In
yited to a supper at the cottage of Mr.. and
Mrs. Thomas j. SOmers at Evergreen Land
Ing, Peaks Island last night. The party left
Portland on the six o'clock steamboat and
on arrival Hound a bountiful repast spread.
to which the club and invited guests did ann
pie justice. Before and after supper some
choice selections were sung by the club out
upon the veranda of the house. The music
was greatly enjoyed by the people In the
neighboring houses and tents The boys left
late in the evening for Portland expressing
their satisfaction with this happy occasion.
Mr.. and Mrs William p. Goss have invited
the club with ladies to visit them at their
cottage near Portland light Wednesday eve
ming Of next week, and the invitation has
been accepted.
The Portland daily press., 1887-08-25

and will be over 20 feet high, IL feet square
at the base, and feet square at the top The
principal figure will be that OF a woman
holding aloft in the right hand the torch of
sword Of justice. At her feet win be a fg-
ure emblematical of despotism. and will be
that of man lying on his side and clutching
at the sword held out of his reach. The fig
ures will cost $1,000, and the road on the side
of the peak has been cut already. The ex-
pense Of cutting this road and getting the
figures to the height will be very great The
peaks are in a most central position, being
equidistant from the bay on the north and
east and the Pacific ocean on the west.
The Portland daily press., 1887-08-25
To Rival RarthoIdl,s,

SAN Francisco, Aug. PA statue of
Liberty is to be erected on the higher of the
twin peaks in San Francisco, by Adolph Su-
tro, the millionaire. The contra cts were let
on Saturday, and work will be commenced
at once. The figure and pedestal will be 40
feet high, and the torch, which will be light
ed by electricity, will be 1000 feet above the
level of the sea. The material to be used in
the construction will be entirely blue sand
stone. dug from quarries close by. The ned
estal win rest on the solid rock Of the peak,
The Portland daily press., 1887-08-25
PORTLAND MAINE THURSDAY s

the judicious restriction of immigration, and
the reservation of public lands for actual
settlers. The retention of the Bible in the
public schools is favored, as are just pen
sions to dependent soldiers or their families !;
a civil service based on the personal charac-
ter Of the official and his fitness; a wise and
and arbitration between employer and en-
ploye. The. platform demands taxation
which will bear equally on all, and protective
duties. 1t expects much from woman suf-
frage when granted, and advocates Chris
tian observance of the Sabbath.
The nominations will be made tomorrow,
The Portland daily press., 1887-08-25
PENNSYLVANIA prohIpItlonlsts.

HARRISBURG, Pa, Aug. 24.-The Prohibi-
tion State convention opened this morning
with 400 to 500 delegates in attendance c.
S. Wolf was permanent chairman. The
platform demands prohibition by statutory
and constitutional enactment, and finds that
neither the Republican nor the Democratic
party will support such law. It denounces
Republicans for hypocrisy in pretending to
favor prohibition and then degenerating to
an issue with high license laws. 1t favors
protection Of American labor and capital,
The Portland daily press., 1887-08-25
HUNDREDS DEAD.
A Terrible Disease Follows the
Drought In West Virginia.

HINTON, w. Va, Aug. 24.-Information
from Mcdowell county says that dreadful
state of affairs exists in that portion of the
State and southwestern Virginia. The
drought has made the waters very low, and
nacnIiar disease, which several times previ-
ppnsiy has followed this state of affairs, has
again broken out. In the Dead Marsh Cave
neigbborhood. there are over 100 cases, with
On deatbs Not family escaped. The crops
are neglected and farm work is at stand
still t6e time of every individual able to la
bor heing needed to care for the sick and
dead. II is estimated that 200 have died in
Mcdowell county alone during the last four
The Portland daily press., 1887-08-25
Quick Work.

oficers McDonough and Greedy Monday
night arrested John Feeney, II years old,
and Patrick Nee. about year younger, for
the larceny Of goods from Bunker's store on
Commercial street. They were put before
the court yesterday and hound over to the
grand jury. The case was reported to the
officers Monday evening. and the promptness
In making the arrest is ereditable.
The Portland daily press., 1887-08-25
A NatIonaIIst Elected.

DUBLIN, Aug A.-0'Gorman Mahon (Na-
tionalist) was elected without opposition to
the seat in the Commons for Carlow, made
vacant by the death Of j. A. Blake.